JUDGMENT :

R. Banumathi, J.

1. The appellant, accused-husband, has been convicted under Section 498-A I.P.C. and 306 I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years and five years respectively.

2. Marriage of the appellant-Siddaling was solemnized with the deceased-Kavitha on 6th May, 2002. Within four months of the marriage, on 17th September, 2002, Kavitha committed suicide by jumping into a well of the village. Reason for such extreme step, taken by Kavitha, is stated to be the harassment due to the alleged dowry demand and also cruelty meted out to the deceased-Kavitha, as the appellant was having illicit relationship with one woman.

3. The trial court convicted the appellant-accused and also his father under Sections 498-A and 304-B r/w 34 I.P.C. and Sections 306 r/w 34 I.P.C. and Sections 3, 4 and 6 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

4. The High Court partly allowed the appeal and acquitted the appellant’s father of all the charges/offences. So far as the appellant is concerned, the High Court maintained the conviction under Sections 498-A I.P.C. and 306 I.P.C. but acquitted the appellant for the other offences.

5. We have heard Mr. Girish Ananthamurthy, learned coun